NICHE Canada : Make Public Safety “No1 Priority” in New Marijuana
Laws: Top Cop

March 29, 2017 06:56 PM Eastern Time

SURREY, British Columbia--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--A veteran top cop is calling on Ottawa to make public safety the number
one priority as Canada moves towards legalizing marijuana next year.

“There must be current technology that enables roadside screening for
police and the development of laws that are understood and enforceable”

“There must be clear direction on legislation, enforcement, crime
prevention and substance abuse,” said Jim Cessford, the former head of
the Municipal Chiefs of Police and BC Association of Chiefs of Police.

“There must be current technology that enables roadside screening for
police and the development of laws that are understood and enforceable,”
said Cessford, who retired after a police career spanning 47 years.

Cessford, an advisor to the National Institute for Cannabis Health and
Education (NICHE Canada), said it is essential that the Federal
Government develop a public awareness and education document outlining
all of the information relating to the legalization of marijuana in
Canada so everyone is aware of the introduction of this new legislation
into the community.

His comments come in the wake of reports that Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau's Liberal government will introduce legislation to legalize
recreational marijuana the week of April 10th and it should become law
by July next year.

The Canadian government is expected to follow the advice of a marijuana
task force headed by former Liberal Health Minister Anne McLellan as
well as the advice of former Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, who is the
parliamentary secretary to the justice minister.

“Canadians need to have a full comprehension of the impact and
opportunities that may exist with the advent of this new legislation,”
said Barinder Rasode, president and CEO of Niche Canada. “Success will
come only through broad understanding, acceptance and support.”

“There are so many questions still unanswered and there is no time to
lose,” she said. “We’ll continue to work with the medical profession,
police, academics and scientists as these deadlines approach.”

Based in Vancouver with a national vision, NICHE Canada was established
in 2017 after discussions with the Federal and Provincial governments,
industry, universities, patients, consumers, non-governmental
organizations, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.

ABOUT NICHE CANADA(National Institute for Cannabis Health
and Education)

NICHE is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides
impartial and evidence-based research about cannabis production and use
in Canada. NICHE’s vision for a safe and sustainable cannabis industry
encompasses health, social and economic impacts.

Based in Vancouver with a national vision, NICHE was established in 2017
after discussions with the Federal and Provincial governments, industry,
universities, patients, consumers, non-governmental organizations, law
enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. We have the support of
highly reputable individuals who are invested in success and the
wellbeing of Canadians.

In part, NICHE was a response to the federal Task Force on Cannabis
Legalization and Regulation calling on industry and government to “build
upon existing and new organizations to develop and co-ordinate national
research and surveillance activities.”

Much of the discussion about cannabis is taking place with little
understanding of the diversity of public opinion on germane issues. The
development of successful public policy will require a profound
understanding of the public mindset towards these matters. Understanding
the level of public awareness and engagement, and public opinion on
matters that will need to be decided through legislation, will be an
important part of ensuring that legislation is developed that is
accepted by society.

NICHE has a national mandate to facilitate research, analyze policies,
identify best practices for safe and sustainable cannabis use, share
information broadly, and create open dialogue with communities. Our work
will be academically rigorous, independent, and unbiased. All research
and analysis will be publicly released and made available at the NICHE
website.

Research from NICHE will focus on:

• The medical, social, and economic impacts of cannabis in Canada

• Understanding the risks of cannabis production and use in Canada and
how risk information is used in decision making

• Best practices for safe production, processing, distribution and use
of cannabis products

• Risks and best practices associated with specific products or health
conditions

• Identifying areas where new research is needed to provide a foundation
for informed public engagement and the ongoing development of sound
policy.

Overall success will require engagement and collaboration with a wide
range of stakeholders. Our governance model includes a community
advisory council that will ensure our connection to grassroots voices.

Contacts

NICHE CanadaBarinder Rasode, 604-805-3272

Release Summary

A veteran top cop is calling on Ottawa to make public safety the number one priority as Canada moves towards legalizing marijuana next year.